Expandable binder



s. c.' sTEPHANsoN 2,683,459

July 13, 1954 EXPANDABLE BINDER FILING DEVICE y4 sheets-sheet 1 Filed Sept. 2, 1950 Z5 INVENTolE Z4 TEPHEu C'. STEPHAYNSON S. C. STEPHANSON EXPANDABLE BINDER FILING DEVICE July 13, 1954 4 Sheets-Shea?l 2 Filed Sept. 2 1950 July 13, 1954 s. c. s'rEPHANsoN EXPANDABLE BINDER FILING DEVICE 4 sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 2, 1950 IN V EN TOR.

BY STBPHENC. STEPHANSON wia/V5.1

July 13 1954 s. c. sTEPHANsoN EXPANDABLE BINDER FILING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 2, 1950 INVENToR.

STEPHEN C. STEPHANSON Patented July 13, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in expandable tiling devices.

More particularly, the present invention proposes the construction of an expandable filing device having spaced supports between which spaced parallel straps are extended in a manner to have the material to be led removably mounted on the straps between the supports.

Another object of the present invention proposes constructing the ling device as a book, employing the basic principle of the present invention set forth in the paragraph preceding.

A still further object of the present invention proposes arranging the spaced parallel straps so that their length between the spaced supports can be varied-either increased or decreasedpermitting greater amounts of material to be filed or some of the material to be removed, as

desired. Y

Still another object of the present invention proposes mounting each item of material to be filed on a post hanger with means for removably mounting the post hangers in position on the spaced parallel straps in a manner so that any one filed item can be conveniently removed or a new item led in its proper position without disturbing any of the other led items.

A further object of the present invention proposes clips for engagement with different items to be filed-such as: relatively thin booklets, thick books, stacks of related sheets, a single sheet of paper or the like-and which in turn are removably connected with the post hangers in a manner so that the led items can be separated from the post hangers for use independently of the filing device and related post hanger when desired.

The present invention further proposes the provision of partition sheets for independent removable mounting on the spaced parallel straps between groups of filed material falling into different elassications in a manner to separate the various groups.

When the ling device is constructed in the form of a book, it is proposed to construct the spaced supports in the form of hollow book covers with a flexible back sheet extended parallel with the spaced parallel straps and into the hollow book covers the back edge thereof in a manner so that the back sheet acts as a back for the assembled filing book. i

Still further, the present invention proposes the provision of a means within one of the hollow book covers for clamping the excess lengths of the spaced parallel straps and the flexible back Cil sheet in position within that one hollow book cover and adjustable means within the other of the hollow book covers engaged with the ends of the spaced parallel straps and the iiexible back sheet in a manner so that the effective length of the parallel straps and the flexible back sheet can be adjusted as desired within fractions of an inch.

Another object of the present invention proposes extending a binding belt parallel with the flexible back sheet and the parallel straps and which acts on the aforementioned adjustable means when pulled to release the same so that further pulling on said belt will draw the hollow book covers into the desired adjusted positions with relation to the nexible back sheet and the parallel straps.

It is a further object of the present invention to construct a. filing device of the type described which is simple and durable and which can be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the filing device in the form of a book constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the book in open condition with parts of the inserts broken away to reveal interior constructions.

Fig. 3 is an inside elevational view of the front cover of the book with its inner cover portion in the open position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to a portion of Fig. 3, but with the reserve lengths of the back sheet and straps illustrated in their completely ex' tended position. Y v

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial horizontal sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the clamp pieces used in connection with the front cover.

Fig. 7 is an inside elevational view of the back cover of the book with its inner portion in the open position. Y

Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial vertical section y view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial horizontal seetional view taken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged partial vertical sectional view taken on the line Ill-I of Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the L- shaped toothed bars used in the back cover.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged partial horizontal sectional view taken on the line I2-l2 of Fig. '1.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged partial horizontal. sectional view taken on the line l3-I3 of Fig. 1.

The ling device, in accordance with the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. l to 13, inclusive, is in the form of a loose-leaf book 59 having end supports in the form of a hollow front cover and a hollow back cover 52. EX- tended between the back edges of the covers 5l and 52 there is a horizontal pair of vertically spaced straps 53, of iexible material, upon which the items to be filed are to be supported. The straps 53 are preferably formed of any durable cloth webbing or a synthetic resin. Coextensive with the straps 53 there is a back sheet 5ft which extends along the outer face of and covers the straps 53, as shown in Fig. 1. The back sheet 54 is made of rubberized cloth, leather, synthetic leather or a synthetic resin in sheet form.

In addition to the back sheet 54 and the straps 53, there is a binding belt 55. The belt 55 is preferably formed of leather and is extended along the inner face of the back sheet 54 substantially midway between the straps 53. The utility of the belt 55 will become clear as this specification proceeds.

The front cover 5l, as shown most clearly in Figs. 2 to 5, 12 and 13, is made of a top channel member 55, a bottom channel member 5 and vertical channel members 58 and 59 extended between the ends of the channel members 55 and 51. Adjacent ends of the channel members 5S, 51, 58 and 59 are welded together and from Figs. 12 and 13 it will be noted that the channel member 59 is thinner than the other channel members. The channel member 59 is secured to the ends of the channel members 5B and 51 so that its inner face is ush with the inner face of the channel members 55 and 51. Secured to the outer faces of the channel members 56 and 51 there is an L-shaped strip of metal 60 having one of its arms 6I extended into the .hollow of the front cover 5 l. The relationship of the L-shaped strip 55 to the narrower channel 59 is such that an opening 52 exists between the adjacent faces of those parts. From Fig. 13, it will be noted that the straps 53 and the back sheet 54 enter the hollow of the front cover 5i through the opening 52. The intermediate wall of the channel member 59 is `formed with a hole 53, see Fig. l2 particularly,

through which the binding belt 55 enters the hollow of the front cover 5I. After entering the hollow of the front cover 5l, the back sheet 55, the straps 53 and the binding belt 55 pass across the free edge of the inwardly directed arm 5i of the L-shaped strip 60 and comprise the excess of those parts for permitting the capacity of the book to be expanded.

The outer face of the front cover 5I between the L-shaped strip of metal 6I] and the outer edge of the channel member 58 is closed by a plate 64 which is secured to the adjacent flanges of the channel members 55, 51 and 58 by means of rivets 65, see Fig. 5. The plate 54 is formed of metal or a suitably colored piece of synthetic resin.

Within the hollow of the front cover 5i, the straps 53, the back sheet 55 and the binding belt 55 pass beneath a stationary rod 5S, see Figs. 3 to 5. The rod 65 is xedly mounted between the intermediate arms of the channel member 56 and 51 and is extended parallel to the channel members 58 and 59 but closely adjacent the channel member 53. The ends of the straps 5S, the nach sheet 54 and the binding belt 55 after passing beneath the rod 55 are secured together between superimposed metallic strips 51 and 55. Passing through the metallic strips 51 and 58 and the back sheet 5ft and particularly at the locations of the straps 53 and the beit 55 there are rivets 5B joining those parts together. The innermost flanges of the channel members 55 and 51 are formed with cutouts 15, see Figs. 3 and 5, at the ends of the rod 56. The cutouts 1G permit the ends of the metallic strips 51 and 55 and the top and bottom edges of the back sheet 5ft, after the straps 55, the back sheet 5i and the belt 55 have been doubled back over the rod 5S, to be slipped back into the channel members 55 and 51, as shown in Fig. 3, providing a storage for the excess lengths of the straps 53, the back sheet 5ft and the belt 55.

The inside face ci the iront cover 5i is closed by a cover plate il which is preferably formed of the same material used for forming the plate 54. The vertical edge oi the cover plate 1l at the back of the bool?. is lormed with spaced hinge lugs 12 which are tted into complementary hinge lugs 13 formed in a hinge strip 15. The hinge lugs 12 and 13 are pivotally connected together by means of a hinge pin 15 extended through aligned holes formed in the lugs 12 and 13. The hinge strip 111 is extended along the back or outer faces of the channel member 59, see Figs. 12 and 13, and is formed along its edge, remote from the edge formed with the hinge lugs 13, with spaced hinge lugs 15 engaged between complementary spaced hinge lugs 11 formed on the channel member 59, see Figs. 3 and 12. The hinge lugs '45 and 11 are pivotally connected together by means an elongated hinge pin 15 passedL through aligned holes formed in the hinge lugs 15 and 11. The relationship between the hinge lugs 15 and 11 is such that with the cover plate 1i in its closed position there is a clearance between the adjacent faces of the channel member 5S and the hinge strip 1d, see Figs. 12 and 13 for the passage of the straps Intermediate or its ends, the hinge strip 14 is formed with a cutout 19, see Figs. 3 and 12, for the passage of the binding belt 55 so that it can enter the hole 53 in the channel member 59.

In alignment with the inwardly directed arm 5! of the L-shaped strip of metal Gil, cover plate 1I is formed with an inwardly directed fla-nge 85, see Figs. 3 and l2. At points aligned with the straps 53 and the belt 55, the flange B5 has secured thereto by means or" rivets, short pieces of hard metal 8l. The pieces of metal 5| have edges projecting beyond the free edge of the flange and those projecting edges are formed with spaced teeth 82 which, in the closed position of the cover plate "il, are pressed into the surfaces of the straps 53 and the belt 55 securing those parts in position with relation to the free edge of the inwardly directed arm 5| of the L- shaped strip of metal 55. Thus, when the cover plate 1I is in its closed position, the excess lengths of the straps 53, the back sheet 5!!` and the binding belt 55 are locked in position within the hollow of the front cover 5i.

Means is provided for releasably retaining the cover plate 1l in its closed position so that the same can be opened when desired disengaging the teeth 32 from the straps 53 and the belt 55 so that the excess lengths or" the straps 53, the

back sheet '54 and the belt 55 can be withdrawn from the hollow of the front cover` 5| when needed. That retaining means is comprised of elongated horizontally disposed slots 83, see Figs. 2, 3 and 5, formed in the top and bottom edges of the coverl plate adjacent the free edge thereof. L-shaped keys 84 have neck portions 85 turnably mounted on the adjacent flanges of the channel members 55 and 5l and elongated head portions 96 at the free outer ends of the neck portions 85. The head portions |85 correspond in shape to the shape of the slots 83 in the cover plate In one turned position of the neck portion 85, the head portions 85 are aligned with the slots 83 so that the cover plate 1| is free to be pivoted between open and closed positions. However, when the neck portions 85 are turned into positions in which the head portions 86 are disaligned from the slots 83, as shown in Fig. 5, the cover plate il will be retained in a position in which it closes the open inner side of the front cover 5|.

From the front cover 5|, the straps 53, the back sheet 55 and the binding belt 55 pass across the back edges of any items inserted between the front cover 5| and the back cover 52 and then into the hollow of that back cover 52. Basically, the back cover 52 is of substantially the same construction as the front cover 5| and is comprised of a top channel member 81, a bottom channel member 38 and vertical channel members 89 and Si? extended between the ends of the channel member 8l and 98, see Figs. 7 to 13. The adjacent ends of the channel m-embers are welded together, and as in the case of the front cover 5|, the channel member 99 is thinner than the other channel members and secured to the adjacent ends of the channel members il and 88 with its inner flange flush with the inner ilanges of the channel members 8? and E5. The outer side of the back cover 52 is closed by a plate 5i secured to the outer anges of the channel members 9'?, 88 and 8S by means of rivets S2, see Figs. 8 to l0. The plate 9| is preferably made of thesamematerial used for forming the plate G4 and the cover plate of the iront cover. The relationship between the plate Si and the adjacent ilange of the channel member 55 is such that an opening 92, see Figs. l2 and 13, is formed through which the back sheet 5t ente-rs the hollow of the back cover 52.

Set into the baci: cover 52 there is an inner frame having charmel members 93, 94, 95 and 9 extended parallel to the channel members el, 85, 89 and 95 of that back cover. All of the channel members 93, 9d, 95 and 95 are of a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the channel member te and have their adjacent ends welded together. Adjacent the channel member 9c, the corners of the inner frame is formed with lugs 9i, see Fig. 7, of a width corresponding to the spacing between the flanges of the channel member 9|) which are received within the channel member 98. At its opposite corners, the inner frame is formed with outwardly directed lugs 98, see Figs. '7 and l0, which are received within complementary grooves 99 formed in the adjacent flanges of the channel members el and Sii. The lugs 9'land`59 act to support the inner frame with the inner faces of its channel members 93, et, e5 and 96 iiush with the inner faces of the channel members 8l, 8B, t9 and Se and spaced from the inner face of the plate Sl. n

, The inner face of the back cover l52 is closed `the binding belt 55 passes between the rack by means of a cover plate |99 formed or the same material as the plate 9|. The cover plate |00 extends from the channel member 89 nearly completely to the channel member 99 and is formed along its edge adjacent the channel member 99 with spaced hinge lugs lill. An L- shaped member has one short arm |92 extended along the outer face of the intermediate arm of the channel member 9|) and a long arm |3 extended along the inner face of the back cover 52 toward the adjacent edge of the cover plate |99. The edge of the long arm |53 is formed with spaced hinge lugs m4 which lit between the hinge lugs i9! of the cover plate we. rEhe hinge lugs |0| and |95 are formed with aligned holes through which a hinge pin |05 extends so as to pivotally connect the cover plate I9@ to the long arm EES of the L-shaped member.

The free edge of the short arm |92 of the L- shaped member is formed with spaced hinge lugs Hit which t between complementary hinge lugs lill formed on the channel member 9|). The hinge lugs |06 and |87 are formed with aligned holes through which a pivot pin extends. Thus, the inner face of the back cover 52 can be partially opened by pivoting the cover plate |09 i about the hinge pin |35 or that inner face can be completely opened by pivoting the cover plate lill! with the L-shaped member about the hinge pin |97, which latter open position of the back cover is illustrated in Fig. '7.

The inner face of the long arm |93 of the I -shaped member is formed with a recess |99, see Figs. 7, 12 and 13, having extensions ||l98L aligned with openings H0 formed in the junction of the long arm |93 with the short arm |92, see Fig. 13. The openings Hi! together with the recess extensions |09.a and the recess |98 provide clearance for the straps it to enter the hollow of the back cover 52, as clearlj7 shown in Fig. 13. As sho-wn in Fig. l2, the short arm |92 of the L-shaped member is formed with a cutout i|| .and the intermediate arms or the channel members 96 and S6 are formed respectively with holes ||2 and ||3 through which the binding belt 55 enters the hollow of the back cover 52.

Means is provided for retaining the cover plate |00 in a closed position with respect to the inner face of the back cover 52. This means comprises -a pin |4, see particularly Fig. 9, which is mounted through the free edge of the cover plate l. The adjacent flange of the channel member 89 is formed with a hole l5 through which the free end of the pin H4 passes in the closed position of the cover' lilil. Closely adjacent the inner face of the cover plate lil, the pin lic is formed with an enlargement |55 which when forced through 'the hole H5 engages the inner face of that adjacent ange of the channel member 89 retaining the cover plate lil@ in its closed position.

Mounted horizontally in position between the channel members 945 and 9512 of the inner frame, there are horizontal vertically spaced rack bars formed of L-shaped stock. The ends of the rack bars H7 are welded to the inner edges or" the channel members and 95 with arms directed toward one another and arms extended toward. the cover plate |99. The arms of the rack bars ||'l which are directed tov/ard the cover plate |59 are formed with rounded teeth H3, best shown in Figs. 9 and 1l. The straps 53, within the hollow'o-f the back cover pass along the outer edges of the rack bars rIl? and bars midway thereof. As shown in Fig. 8, the top and lbottom edges of the back sheet 54, after entering the hollow of the back cover 52 through the opening 32, are slidably disposed between the adjacent flanges of the channel members 81 and 33 at the top of the cover and the -channel members 83 and 94 at the bottom of the cover.

Within the hollow of the back cover 52, the straps 53, the back sheet 54 and the binding belt 55 are joined together at their ends as an integral unit. The joining of those parts is accomplished by a strip of metal H5, see Figs. 8 and 9, which is extended continuously along the bottom face of the back; sheet 54 adjacent the end thereof. Extended along the other face of the back sheet 54, between the rack bars ||1 and the channel members 93 and 54 of the inner frame, there are metal strips |25, see Figs. '1 and 8. The outer ends of the strips |20 have their end portions |202', see Fig. 8, bent to ride along the inner face of the flanges of the channel members S3 and 94 engaged -by the back sheet 54. Screws |2| are passed -through the strips |29, the back sheet 54 and threaded into the strip |9.

superimposed on the ends of the strips |20, adjacent th-e outer sides of the rack bars ||1 are the ends of the straps 53. Short metal plates |22 are superimposed on ythe ends of the straps 53 and screws |23 are passed through the plates |22, the ends ci the straps |53, the strips |20, the back sheet 54 and threaded into the strip |9 to securely mount the ends Iof the straps 53 in position.

Between the rack bars H1, the exposed face of the end portion of the back sheet 54 has positioned thereon superimposed metal strips |24 and |25. The metal strip |25 is formed of material having the same thickness as the material of the rack bars H1 and is used as a spacer for raising the inner face of the metal strip |25 to the level of the exposed face of the inwardly directed arms of the rack bars ||1, The metal strip |24 has its ends stopped short of the inwardly directed arms of the rack bars ||1 and the metal strip |25 has its ends riding on the exposed faces of the inwardly directed arms of the rack bars, sce particularly Fig. 8. Screws |26 are passed through the metal plates |24 and |25, through the back sheet 54 and are threaded into the metal strip ||9 joining those parts together as an integral unit. Thus, the ends of the straps 53 and the bacl; sheet 55 are joined together for unitary movement relative to the rack bars ||1.

Latch means is carried by the metal strip |25, for securing the ends oi the straps 53 and the back sheet in desired adjusted positions with relation to the rack bars ||1. The latch means is characterized by a latch plate |21 which eX- tends along the edge of the strip |25 facing the channel member 55. The edge of the metal strip |25 is formed with spaced curled portions |28 which are received between complementary spaced curled portions |29 formed on the adjacent edge of the latch plate |21. Extended through the curled portions |23 and |29 there is a long pivot pin |33 pivotally mounting the latch plate |21 on the metal strip |25. The free edge of 'the latch plate |21 is formed with spaced tubular portions |3|. Fixedly extended through the tubular por-tions I3 i, there is a latch bar |32, circular in cross-section, which has its ends projected beyond the outermost tubular portions |3 rihe projected ends of the latch bar |32 engage between the teeth |13 of the rack bars ||1 and retain the straps 53 and the back sheet 54 in 8 adjusted positions with relation to the rack bars ||1.

Resilient means is provided in connection with the pivot pin |30 for urging the latch plate |21 into a pivoted position in which the ends of the latch bar |32 are retained in position between the teeth H8. That resilient means comprises a coil spring |33 which is Wound on the pivot pin |30 and which has its ends bearing on the exposed faces of the metal strip |25 and the latch plate |21 urging the latch plate |21 into a position in which the ends of the latch bar |32 are engaged with the teeth I8. It being appreciated, of course, that the teeth ||8 of the rack bars |1 mus-t be aligned for the ends of the latch bar |32 rto be engaged between adjacent teeth.

Means carried by the latch plate |21 and controlled by the binding belt 55 is provided for pivoting the latch plate |21 against the action of the coil spring |33 to disengage the ends of the latch bar |32 from the teeth I8 freeing the ends of the straps 53 and the baclf. sheet 55 to be adjusted With relation to the rack bars l |1 and the back cover 52. That means is characterized by a nger |34 which is fixedly mounted at one end to the inner or bottom face of the latch plate |21 and which has its free end exposed over the coil spring |33. The free end of the linger |34 carries a headed stud |35 which is passed through a complementary hole |36, see Fig. 9, formed in the binding belt 55. The headed stud |35 functions to releasably connect the nger ld and the binding belt 55. The iinger |34 is formed of exible material but the material used must have sui'licient rigidness to overcome the action of the coil spring |33 when pressures are applied to the free end of the finger |35. From Fig. 9, where only a portion of the cover plate |35 is shown at the right-hand side of the figure, it Will be noted that the iinger |34 is given a natural bias to have its free end projectfrom the open side, of the back cover 52 when the cover plate |35 is in its open position. When that cover plate |55 is closed it presses inward on the free end of the linger |34 pressing it into the hollow of the back cover 52.

From the linger |34, the free end of the binding belt 55 is again passed to the exterior of the back cover 52 through aligned holes Isl and |38 formed respectively in the intermediate arms of the channel members 89 and 95. The binding belt 55 Where it passes through the holes |31 and |38 of the channel members 83 and respectively, functions to retain the inner frame in position within the back cover 52. The relationship of the binding belt 55 to the linger |34 is such that when the extended end of the belt 55 is pulled a pressure will be exerted on the free end of the nger |34 to pivot the latch plate |21 against the action of the coil spring |53 and disengage the ends of the latch bar |32 from the teeth IIB of the rack bars H1. Further pulling on the end of the binding belt 55 will draw the straps 53 and the back sheet 54 further into the back cover` 52 reducing the operative lengths of the straps and the back sheet between the back edges of the covers 5| and 52. When the pull on the binding belt 55 is relaxed, the coil spring |33 will function to pivot the latch plate |21 back to its starting position re-engaging the ends of the latch bar |32 with the teeth i8 oi the rack bars ||1 t0 retain the ends of the straps and the back sheet 54 in their newly adjusted positions.

A U-shaped latch frame |33 has the free ends of its side arms pivotally attached to hinge plates in turn secured to the exposed flanges of the channel member 96. The latch frame |39 is of a length to extend completely across the open side of the back cover 52 to the channel member 95 of the inner frame. In the operative posi-v tion of the latch frame |35, illustrated by the full lines in Fig. '1, that frame extends across the latch plate |21 and is engaged by the inner face of the cover plate |55, when in its closed position as partially shown at the right-hand side of Fig. 9, to retain that latch plate in a pivoted position in which the free ends of the latch bar 52 will be retained engaged with the teeth IIB of the rack bars ||1. Thus, the U-shaped latch frame |39 functions as an auxiliary to the coil spring |53 to retain the latch plate |21 in an operative position in the closed position of the cover plate |55. The inoperative pivoted positicn cil the latch frame |39 is indicated by the dot and dash lines |35' in Fig. '7.

The iree end of the binding belt 55 is formed with a line of spaced perforations |45 and the pin l i4 carried by the cover plate |55, is formed with a pin-like extension H43, see particularly Fig, 9, which in the closed position of the cover plate |55, is extended through one of the periorations |4| to secure the binding belt in the desired adjusted position of the latch plate |21. In the closed position of the book 55, the free projected end of the binding belt 55 is engaged about the iree edges of the covers 5| and 52 and a headed pin |42 mounted on the outer side of the iront cover 5| is passed through one of the perforations iti. From there the free end ofthe binding belt 55 is slipped through a loop |43 mounted on the outer face of the cover 5| rearward of the headed pin |42. Thus, the binding beltv 55 is also used `for securing the book 5t in a closed position and, if desired, any known type of lock can be provided in connection with the projected free end of the binding belt 55 for locking the book in its closed position.

When' the spacing between the covers 5| and 52 is small', as when there are few inserts between the adjacent faces of those covers, the' free end of the belt 55 may be too long and unwieldly if that belt is made ci one continuous length, long enough to engage about the book when the covers are expanded to their maximum as con'- trolled by the operative' lengths of the back sheet 54 and the straps 53. To overcome that diiliculty the binding belt can' be made, if desired, of several' end aligned sections with the ends of those sections' joined together by suitable splicing or lacing so that some of theY sections can be removed to reduce the operative length of the binding belt when the spacing of the covers is small.

It is believed that from the foregoing descrip-` tion the method of adjusting the position of the exposed lengths of the straps 53 and the back sheet 54 between the back edges of the'covers 5| and 52 will be evident. However, it is pointed out that the toothed pieces of metal 8|- and the inwardly directed arm 5| of the L-shaped strip of metal Fill, of the front cover 5 l, provide a coarse adjustment whereby thev reserve lengths of the straps 53 and the back sheet 54 can be extendedY or absorbed, as desired. On the other hand, the latch plate |21 and related mechanism of the back cover 52' provides a means whereby the operative lengths of the strapsl 53 and the back sheet 54 can ce adjusted within very small degrees toobtain the desired positioning of the' covers 5| and 52 with relation to each other.

InFig. 2 there is illustrated details of the post hanger which is used for mounting the articlesto be'iilcd-inY position on-the straps 53 andbetween- 10 the adjacent faces of the covers 5| and 52. Each of the post hangers is formed of a relatively thin strip of metal |44 which is somewhat flexible although it need not be flexible. Extended in-- ward from the back edge of the strip of metal |44 there is a spaced cutout |45 which continues at its top edge into an upwardly extended recess i46. The recess |45 is located midway of the side of the metal strip |44 dividing oi a downwardly projected dinger |41. The cutout |45 is suiiiciently wide to permit the strap 53 to be passed therethrough to be aligned with the recess after which the metal strip |44 can be moved downward to dispose the strap 53 within the recess |45 and in front of the linger |41, as shown in full lines in Fig. 2. The strap 53 can, if desired, be made smooth and be reinforced by the application of resino'us material to the top and bottom edges thereof so that the postl hangers will have free movement along the lengths of those straps.

Similarly, the front edge of the metal strip |44 has a cutout |55 which continues at its bottomv into a downwardly extended recess |56. The recess |56 is located midway of the width of the' metal strip |44 dividing oil a ringer |51- which is extended upward to receive a clip, to be here-inafter described carried by the respective article to be filed-1 The cutout |55 and recess |55' are arranged out of horizontal alignment with relation, to the cutouts |45 andl recess |45 so that the metal strip E44 can be made of a narrow strip of metal.

Means is providedfor obstructing the free end of the finger |51 so as to retain the clip in position on the finger. The obstructing means includes an elongated lockstrip i6| which engagesl the free end of the respective nger |51 to retain the clip' from sliding therefrom.

Pivotall-y mountedon the upper end portieriv of the strip of metal |44- adjacent the free endof the lock strip |6| there is an operating cam 63. The cam |63 is pivotally retained in position on the upper end portion of the strip of metal |44' by means of a pivot pin E64. 'l-he top of the cam |63 is formed with an upwardly extended finger |55 which projects above the top end of the metal strip |44 providing a linger grip by which the cam can be pivoted. When the cam |63 is pivoted, it in turn pivots the lock strip ISI disengaging it from the free end of the respective finger |51. When the operating cam |63 is pivoted through ninety degrees its flat bottom end will function to hold the lool?. strip |5| in its inoperative yposition in which the free end of the linger |51 will` be unobstructed.

In Fig. 2 theA filed item |55 is in the form of a thin pamphlet and is provided along its back edge with spaced clips |51 which are properly spacedl to be received over the lingers i5?. Each of the clips |61A is formed of a piece of relatively stiff wire has one end portion bent into acoil |58 to be slipped over the free end portion of the respective finger |51, The other end portion of the piece of wire has a point |65 and isbent to' be extended into and then out of the back of the pamphlet, as shown in Fig. 2'. With the coil |65 engagedr upon the iinger'- |51, as shown in Fig. 2, andthe lock strip |61' in its operative position obstructing the free endof the upper ringer |51 it will beV appreciated that the pamphlet will be retained in position on the' post hanger. If the post hanger is then engagedv with the' strapy 53",

n the pamphlet will' then be removably led be;A

tween the adjacent faces of the covers 5| and 52' 1l of the book. The use of the clip |61 provides a ready means by which the filed item |66 can be removed from the post hanger for use outside of the book, without removing the post hanger from the strap 53 so that the post hanger marks the place where the item is to be returned tothe book. At the same time, the complete assembly including the post hanger can be separated from the straps 53 when the led item is to be removed from the file to be discarded or for other reasons.

Provided to be removably mounted on the straps 53 between different groups of articles iiled in the book 55, there are partition sheets |18 illustrated in detail in Fig. 2. The partition sheets are provided to separate the different groups of items filed in the book 5D and each is comprised of a main body portion |1| formed of heavy cardboard, synthetic resin material or metal and can be inscribed on the face thereof or have secured to the face thereof a label carrying an inscription as to the nature of the items which follow that particular partition sheet in the book 58. Whether the face of the malin body portion |11 is inscribed directly or has a label secured thereto will depend on the nature of the material used to form the main body portion.

A strip of metal |12 is formed along its one vertical edge with a groove |13, into which the adjacent edge of the main body portion |1| is received. Spaced rivets |14 are engaged through the main body portion |1| and the strip of metal |12 joining those parts together. The other vertical edge of the metal strip |12 is formed with spaced hinge lugs |15 between which there is received spaced hinge lugs |18 formed on a second metal strip |11. The hinge lugs |15 and |16 are formed with aligned holes for the passage of a pivot pin |18 to pivotally interconnect the metal strips |12 and |11. Ii the main body portion |5| is formed of metal or synthetic resin, there is no need for using the metal strip |12, as the back edge of the main body portion can be hinged directly to the metal strip |11.

The back edge of the metal strip |11 is formed with cutouts |12 which are properly spaced to receive the straps 53, as shown in Fig. 2. Closely adjacent the back edge, the metal strip |11 is formed with a tubular passage |80 which traverses the cutouts |19 closely adjacent their mouths or open sides. A long pin |8| is slidably and axially removably received within the passage |83 for engaging behind the straps 53, see Fig. 2, with those straps in position in the cutouts i19 for mounting the partition sheets |18 removably in position on those straps. When the pin |8i is axially slid from the tubular passage |35, the partition sheet |10 is free to be removed from the straps 53, through the open sides of the cutouts |19.

Also, positioned on the straps 53, between the inner faces of the covers 5| and 52 of the book and the articles iiled therein, there are strap tensioning panels |82. Details of the construction and the position of those panels on the straps 53 is illustrated in Figs. 2, 12 and 13. In the latter ngures, the filed items have been omitted for the sake of clarity, but it is appreciated that those items will be in the space between the adjacent faces of the panels having particular regard for Figs. l2 and 13. The tensioning panels |82 are formed of metal or synthetic resin material and are provided substantially midway oi their sides with cutouts |83 through the inner ends of which the straps 53 pass, as shown in Figs. 2 and 13. Between the cutouts |83 and l2 at a point aligned with the binding' beit 55, the back edge of the panels |82 are formed with cutouts |85 through which the belt 55 passes, as shown in Figs. 2 and 12.

Means is provided for releasably retaining the tensioning panels |82 in position on the straps 53. rlhe releasably retaining means is characterized by end aligned tube sections 388 which are positioned against the one face of the each of the panels |82 on opposite sides of the cutouts |83. The tube sections 380 are retained in position by means of straps 38| mounted in position over the tube sections 380 and secured in position on the panels by means of rivets 382. Slidably extended through the tube sections 388 there is a long pin 383 which is passed behind the straps 53 mounting the panels |32 in position thereon. At one end, the pin 383 is provided with an enlarged head 354i by which a grip can be had on the pin for pulling the same out of the tube sections 355 to free the panels |52 from the straps 53 for removal when desired. By this construction, the panels |82 can be easily removed from the straps 53, and, if desired, additional panels can be inserted between the adjacent faces of the led articles at any position along the lengths of the straps 53 in the completely expanded position of the book.

When the book 50 is closed with filed items in position on the straps 53, the back edges of the tensioning panels |82 engage the inner faces of the back sheet 54, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13 and push forward on the straps 53 properly tensioning those straps between the back edges of the front cover 5| and the back cover 52. Those panels E32 serve to rigidly retain the straps in position and so retain the filed items from shifting their positions relative to one another and to the covers while the book is being carried about in its closed position.

Extended vertically along the outer face of the back sheet 54 between the rear edges oi the covers 5| and 52, there is a vertically extended tablet member |85. The tablet member |85 is formed of resinous plastic material or other material upon which notations regarding the contents of the book 58 can be inscribed. Secured to the top and bottom edges of the tablet member |86, by means of rivets |81, there are spaced metal clips |88. The clips |88 are or" U-shaped conguration with their open sides directed toward one another so that they can be slipped over the top and bottom edges of the back sheet 54.

The clips |88 permit the tablet member |86 to be slid along the operative length of the back sheet 5d so that the tablet member can always be positioned midway between the back edges of the covers 5| and 52 regardless of the spacing oi those covers. With the face of the tablet member |85 inscribed with a notation regarding the contents of the book, the proper bool; can be quickly identified when a number of books are positioned side by side on a shelf.

It is believed that the manner of using the iiling book of the present invention will be selfevident from the foregoing description without a detailed explanation of the operation. From the explanation, it is apparent that there has been provided a convenient book-type iiling device in which the operative content space is only limited by the lengths of the straps 53, the back sheet 55 and the binding belt 55 and which content space can be quickly increased and decreased in size as the contents may require, without the use of any tools. Furthermore, the binder protions coming within the scope of the invention l as dened in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A loose leaf filing book comprising hollow front and back covers, spaced straps and a binding belt extending between the back' edges of said covers, hinged cover plates for the hollow front and back covers, means for adjusting the straps and binding belt comprising teeth engaging the straps and binding belt on one hinged cover plate, an inner frame co-eXtensii/e with and mounted in the other hollow cover, said inner frame having channeled edges, a bar extending across said inner frame to which is attached one end of the straps, the ends of said, bar being slidably mounted in the channels of said inner frame, parallel rack bars extending from the inner edge to the outer edge of the inner frame,

a latch mechanism pivotally mounted on said bar comprising a projecting nger, a latch plate and a latch bar for engaging the rack bars, said linger having a projection thereon, said belt engaging said projection and extending beyond the hollow cover, and a latch frame pivotally mounted to the inner edge of the inner frame overlying the latching mechanism and locking the same to engage the rack bars when the cover plate is fastened down on the hollow cover.

2. A loose leaf filing book comprising hollow front and back covers, said hollow covers having channeled frames, spaced straps and a binding belt extending between the back edges of said covers, hinged cover plates for the hollow front and back covers, means for adjusting the straps and binding belt comprising teeth engaging the straps and binding belt on one hinged cover plate, an inner frame co-extensive with and mounted in the other hollow cover, means for retaining the inner frame within the hollow cover comprising lugs on the inner edge of the frame projecting into the channels of the cover and projections on the outer edge overlying the channel frame of the cover, said hollow cover and frame having matched openings through which the binding belt passes, said inner frame having channeled edges, a bar extending across said inner frame to which is attached one end of the straps, the ends of said bar being slidably mounted in the channels of said inner frame, parallel rack bars extending from the inner edge to the outer edge of the inner frame, a latch mechanism pivotally mounted on said bar comprising a projecting linger, a latch plate and a latch bar for engaging the rack bars, said linger having a projection thereon, said belt engaging said projection and extending beyond the hollow cover, and a latch frame pivotally mounted to the inner edge of the inner frame overlying the latching mechanism and locking the same to engage the rack bars when the cover plate is fastened down on the hollow cover.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 401,909 `Schonacker Apr. 23, 1889 817,460 Winn Apr. 10, 1906 860,885 Proudt July 23, 1907 1,037,408 Baker Sept. 3, 1912 1,045,557 Ilges Nov. 26, 1912 1,142,021 Chambers June 8, 1915 1,218,733 Wigginton Mar. 13, 1917 1,355,629 Viollet Oct. 12, 1920 1,496,335 Bennett June 3, 1924 1,698,663 Wright Jan. 8, 1929 1,835,381 Collantes Dec. 8, 1931 1,896,471 Stuart Feb. 7, 1933 1,973,796 Cottrell Sept. 18, 1934 2,191,425 Christiansen et al. Feb. 20, 1940 2,508,802 Schade May 23, 1950 2,546,419 Ashley Mar. 27, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 104,530 Germany 1899 

